MEETING AT ROSLYN. TIMELY AID; OR,

Otago Witness, Issue 2252, 29 April 1897, Page 21

MEETING AT ROSLYN.

TIMELY AID; OR,

I A meeting convened by the mayor of Roslyn (Mr L. Kemnitz) was held on Monday night in the Roslyn Council Chambers to consider the question of relieving the sufferers by the late floods in Hawkes 1 Bay. The mayor occupied the chair, and there were about 20 residents of the district present, among them being the Rtvs. R. R. M. Sutherland andW. Bannerman. The Chairman said he regretted the circumstances that necessitated the calling of the meeting. As a number of lives had been losl and a number of homes desolated, and as the needs of the distreseed settlers were very great, a general effort was being made throughout tho colony to raise funds to assi»t the unfortunate sufferers in Hawke's Bay. Io conformity with this effort he had called the meeting for the purpose of raising subscriptions in the district; of Roslyn. Oq other occasions when amounts had baen required, lloslyn had always donated handsomely, and he truited on the present occasion that the people of Roslyn would come up to thpir usual standard. Mr Q ftiiLLAii moved, Mr G.Lindsay seconded, and it was carried—" That this mealing ot the citizens of Roslyn expresses its deepest sympathy with the settlers of Hawke's B*y in the disaster that hai overtaken so many of them, and especially the loss of so many valuable lives, and the entire demolition of so many homes, and the dire distress occasioned by the late disastrous flood. Further, that this meeting pledges itself to do its utmost to alleviate the sufferings entailed on so many of I our fellow colonists." The Rev. R. R. ML Sutherland moved, Miss GAitDiNEtt seconded, and it; was carried — j " That this meeting form itself into a committee, with power to add to its number, for the purpose of raising funds by means of a boust-to-house c\nvassin this district to relieve ! the sufferers iv Hawke» Bay from fcbe destit.i- '• Hon and distress occasioned by the recent disastrous floods." Mr E. C. Stewart was appointed secretary and treasurer, and ways and means of canvas- j sing the district were discussed, aud the district subdivided among the canvassers appointed. It was decided that the money collected be paid into the fund collected iv the city, and the meeting then terminated.

Sympathy with Hawke's Bay Sufferers. Can we see our neighbour suffer And our hearts not feel the pain? Can hia coul be deep in trouble Yet appeal to us in vaiu? Were the conscience made of iron, And fcfflictiou carve.i in steel, Then mayhap 'twould not affect us Though with tears he should appeal. [ But the Author of our nature I Linked our b.-ings soul to soul : j Men are not disjointed unit?, But components of one whole. Cold philosophy and prudence Atk for reasons in dibtress, While true iu.-tincfc summons pity Now to make the burden less. Be it gold or be it comfort That the circumstance demands, Sacrifice, or kind attention, Words of love, or helping bands, Instant deeds and willing service Proffered now are rendered well : Let our gittx be quickly forward Whou our friends in trouble dw ell. - Time is precious to the needy, Wait not lor more fitting time, TTrs the present passing moment, [ Meet their sorrow e'er its prime. Early gifts have double value — Soothing down the swelling grief, Waking others to the mnsion j I Of a neighbourly relief. i

April 27.

— It. N. Adams.